A/N: Please read and review. I would love to know what everybody thinks.
Chapter 2: Discoveries and Letters
Three weeks had past, since Harry had arrived back at Privet Drive, and he was out in the back of the house digging a hole for a new birdbath in the garden. Harry finished digging and picked up the solid stone birdbath to put in the hole. He still marveled that just a few weeks ago he wouldn't have been able to even lift it up, let alone shifting the bath into position without breaking too much of a sweat. As he worked on the garden his mind shifted back to the first morning of vacation and the surprise it brought him.
Harry awoke early the first morning from a nightmare about the Third Task of the tournament and Cedric's lifeless eyes with a slight headache. Biting his lips from crying out as tears ran down his face thinking that there must have been something he could have done to prevent Cedric from dying. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, he let his eyes roam the small room falling upon the letter that Hedwig had delivered last night. Harry picked up his glasses, while his other had ran through his messed up hair and walked over to his desk to see whom the letter was from. He didn't recognize the purple ink his name was written in on the envelope, so shrugging his shoulders he opened the letter and read:
Dear Harry,
I trust that this letter gets to you being safe at your home. I spoke with the Ministry of Magic and even though Fudge won't believe that Voldemort is back; he does recognize that there is an increase in Death Eater activities, so he has agreed to lift the underage ban from students using magic. I know that this will allow you to finish your homework and defend yourself in case anything should happen. I would like to suggest that you review through all your books, so you will be better prepared just in case. I would also like to inform you that the Weasleys are going to pick you up by portkey in front of your house on July 29th at 9:00 AM to take you to the Burrow for the rest of the summer. I will meet with you at their house to discuss something of a private, but important matter with you. I would also like you to inform me if your scar hurts at anytime and any information that you can gather. Until we see each other try and have a wonderful holiday and please try and forget about the end of last year.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
P.S. Please show this letter to your Aunt and Uncle.
Harry was almost jumping with excitement at the prospect of using magic and not getting in trouble. He also was looking forward to spending his birthday with his friends, and away from the Dursleys, because this has never before happened. He thought about what Dumbledore said about reviewing his books and decided that he would memorize every spell he could, so nothing would prevent him from losing another friend. Harry looked up at his clock to notice that it was seven o'clock and thought he would start running, so he would be in better shape, since Voldemort was going to be a constant threat to his life. He pulled on Dudley's old t- shirt, and shorts, then shrunk them down to his size, so they fit comfortably while he was running.
Harry picked up the letter and exited his room quietly and went downstairs. When he reached the kitchen to leave the letter on the table for his uncle to read, he was surprised to find Dudley already there drinking water from a glass and attired in the same exercise clothes as himself.
"Dudley what are you doing up so early?" asked Harry. Dudley turned to him and stated, "I'm going for my morning run. I am sure you are wondering why my parents were mad at me?" Harry could only dumbly nod his head still in shock that Dudley was doing exercises. Dudley motioned to the table and they both sat down. Dudley then said, "I was expelled from Smeltings for bullying the other people. I realized that I had made a big mistake, so I have been dieting like the nurse said I should even though I hate it and I have started exercising, so I can lose the weight quicker."
Dudley continued, "I know that I was awful to you, since you lived here and I am sure that you will never forgive me for all those years, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry." Harry finally found his voice and said, "Dudley I forgive you and wanted to know if you could use some company on that run. I know I am not suppose to say anything about my kind, but I have to start getting in better shape, because of some things that happened at my school during the end of this year." Dudley was amazes that his cousin was willing to forgive him, but then he saw the grief in Harry's eyes when he told him why he wanted to run. He wondered what could have happened to cause that kind of sorrow in his cousin.
" I would like company and we can stop at the Youth Center, which is where I run to, you could talk with me about your school, because I realize that ther is nothing wrong with you being a wizard." Dudley said with concern. Harry smiled with appreciation towards his cousin and they both went outside to run. After they arrived at the Youth Center, Harry told him everything that happened last year and why he felt that he needed to get in shape. Dudley was amazed at what his cousin had to go through and that he survived. They both decided that they would be good friends after that conversation.
The next three weeks went to a steady rhythm, except for few occurrences. The first was Uncle Vernon, after reading the letter, yelling at him that he would not show his freakishness in his house. Harry ignored this and with Dudley went on their early morning runs to the Youth Center and spends the morning doing weight lifting. While Harry was there he signed up for classes in karate and also for dancing, both were on Tuesday and Thursday. Dudley also signed up for karate, but laughed himself silly when his cousin signed up for dancing. They would then run home and Harry would do his chores, before eating dinner and retiring to his room. He would write to his friends before working on his homework and then try to memorize all the spells from his earlier years. Harry found that he was able to remember the spells a lot better than before and found by accident that he was able to do some wandless magic, so he practiced hard to do the spells without his wand, but this very draining and would collapse to sleep soon after practicing.
One of the other occurrences was his growing friendship with Ginny Weasley. Harry had written letters to his friends on the second day to let them know that he arrived safely at the Dursleys. He then wrote a separate letter to Ginny, after banging his head on the desk for being such a prat as to being totally oblivious of her after the events of the Chamber of Secrets, asking her different things.
***The Burrow***
Ginny was in her room and was very scared. When she heard about Voldemort being back at the leaving feast, she couldn't help thinking about all the things that happened in her first year. She was also starting to get her nightmares again and it was making her very short with everybody, because she wasn't getting much sleep. When Ron all of sudden opened her door to tell her something, Ginny's anger just blazed at him. "Ron you prat, don't you know how to knock?" yelled Ginny with her eyes narrowed. "I could have been changing for all you know."
Even though Ron cowered a little under his sister's fierce anger, which all the brothers knew they never get away unscathed when she was like this, he knew that she would want the letter he had and decided to tease his sister to calm her down. "Well, I am sorry to have barged in here, but I thought that you would want this letter that Harry wrote to you. He even said expressly that I shouldn't open it. Oh Well, since your in this type of mood I will just toss it in the garbage." Ron said airily.
Ron started to walk away when he was suddenly frozen stiff and fell forward. Ginny calmly walked over to him, turned him over and snatched the letter out of his hand. She smiled down at him mischievously and said, "Thank you for bringing me my letter Ron, but for barging in my room and teasing me you will have not get help until after I have read it." Leaving Ron frozen in the hallway, Ginny walked back to her room and locked the door. Ginny was wondering why Harry would be writing to her. She always thought that she was invisible to him as Ron's little sister. Ginny opened the envelope and read:
Dear Ginny,
I'm sorry if I haven't talked with you before now, but there were a lot of things going on during my third and fourth year even though that doesn't excuse for being such a prat. I just wanted to apologize if it seemed that I was ignoring you, because I would like to start over and be your friend if you would have me. After what you went through in the Chamber of Secrets, I never asked if you were all right and for that I am deeply regretful. I am sure hearing the news at the leaving feast that you would be scared and probably are having nightmare. I am here if you want to talk about it, or just want to know anything that happened down there.
I have not had an easy time with the new either and I was there. I keep having nightmares of the Third Task and what happened after. Don't tell Ron or Hermione, they would immediately tell me to talk with Dumbledore and I am not going to bother him with my dreams. He already has enough to deal with. I will be there in about a month if you want to talk then or send me an owl just to let me know if we can be friends, I would be very grateful.
Your friend, (Hopefully)
Harry
P.S. If Ron gives you hard time about this letter just mention sending a letter to Hermione and he will shut up. I think they fancy each other, but are too stubborn to say it.
Ginny couldn't believe that Harry not only knew her fears, but was experiencing the same thing. Also the fact that he told her instead of Ron or Hermione made her feel like he trusted her that much more. Without wasting a minute she grabbed a quill and parchment and started to write a letter back to Harry.
***Privet Drive***
Harry received letters from Hermione, Ron and Ginny the next evening in his room. He was happy that Ginny had written back, but decided to open Hermione's letter first and read:
Dear Harry,
I am glad that you arrived home safe and I hope that those relatives treat you better this year with everything you went through. If you are having any problems please write to Dumbledore or Sirius. I know you heard that Victor invited me to come see him over the holidays, but I am not going, because with the return of You-Know-Who I think it will be safer to stay at home. I will meet you at the Ron's house for your birthday. I hope that you are getting your homework done, because we have O.W.L.s this year and they are very important. Well, write back when you can and please stay safe.
Love from Hermione
Harry just smiled at the fact that his friend worried about him, but was relived that she wasn't going to be traveling this summer. Harry always thought of Hermione like the sister that he never had and worried about her too. Harry then picked up Ron's letter.
Dear Harry,
I hope that you are happy. I spent an hour in the full body-bind, because you sent a letter to Ginny. I know it is none of my business, but whatever you wrote in the letter sure did make a change in her. She was very despondent before the letter and now seems like her old self. Mom even found one of the first socks she ever stole. Ginny used to steal our socks when she was younger, but after her first year she hasn't been the same. Now we are all running after her for our socks back. Thanks for whatever you did. Please just tell Ginny not to do that ever again, I had an itch that I couldn't scratch and it was total torture and could you try and tell her to stop stealing my socks.
Have you heard from Hermione? I haven't received a letter from her, but I know Ginny has two letters from her. I hope she isn't going to visit Krum. I mean what does she see in a guy that can't even pronounce her name correctly and I would worry if she were traveling at this time. Anyways I guess I will see you when we come to pick you up. Try not to think too much on the tournament and alert Dumbledore if your scar starts to hurt.
Ron
Harry couldn't help it that he was laughing uncontrollably about the predicament that Ron was in because of Ginny. I sure hope he doesn't try and get revenge, because I know that Weasley temper and I have heard that they would all crumble before Ginny. Harry then opened Ginny's letter and read:
Dear Harry,
I would like nothing more than anything for us to be friends. I would also like to tell you that what you mentioned about being scared and having nightmares was true. I feel a lot better now, knowing that I am not the only one that is experiencing these types of fears. I hope that you are doing well and that you're getting some sleep. If you are still having troubles sleeping let me know and I'll get Mum to brew you up a dreamless sleep potion.
Keep your spirits up and don't let those muggle relatives get you down. Fred and George also told me to say hello to you for them and to tell you they have a surprise for your birthday that is sure to make you happy. I don't know if I should be happy for you or tell you to run for your life. Mum is in bad mood most of the time, because somebody has backed the twins in their idea and now she can't tell them to stop, but in all fairness she also angry at Fudge and the Ministry in how they treated you after the tournament. I can't believe how right you were about Ron and Hermione liking each other. Ron keeps moaning about Krum and Hermione sent me letters complaining about Ron. I think we should help them see the light. Thank you again for your trust and I will see you soon.
Love,
Ginny
Harry was very happy and confused after he read the letter. He was happy because Ginny did want to be his friend and that he was able to help her out, also because the twins were up to their old tricks. Harry was confused about what Ginny said of the Ministry. Fudge not believing that Voldemort was back is one thing, but if the entire Ministry was on that boat then he was becoming very scared in how the magic world would turn out after the truth is in the open. Harry had some weird feelings jumping through his stomach when he read the 'Love Ginny' portion of his letter. He didn't know what it means, but when he looked up it was already close to midnight. Harry put aside the letter to change for bed, and to sleep on it, hoping that his mind would figure out what was going on.
Harry and Ginny kept sending letters to each other and became each other's confidant in their secrets. They also were good friends now and Harry found out different aspects of Ginny's personality that he didn't know before they started writing each other. "Every time I talk to her the more I like her." Harry thought.
Harry thought back about all of this as he put all the tools away in the shed and looked down at the list of chores. He gasped in shock not realizing that with finishing the birdbath he was done with all the chores. A slow grin came on his face, because this meant he had one extra day off before he was to leave the Dursleys. With that in mind Harry strode into the house to make a quick dinner and get to sleep so he could enjoy tomorrow completely.
A/N: Tell me what you think and please give me some reviews.
Chapter 2: Discoveries and Letters
Three weeks had past, since Harry had arrived back at Privet Drive, and he was out in the back of the house digging a hole for a new birdbath in the garden. Harry finished digging and picked up the solid stone birdbath to put in the hole. He still marveled that just a few weeks ago he wouldn't have been able to even lift it up, let alone shifting the bath into position without breaking too much of a sweat. As he worked on the garden his mind shifted back to the first morning of vacation and the surprise it brought him.
Harry awoke early the first morning from a nightmare about the Third Task of the tournament and Cedric's lifeless eyes with a slight headache. Biting his lips from crying out as tears ran down his face thinking that there must have been something he could have done to prevent Cedric from dying. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, he let his eyes roam the small room falling upon the letter that Hedwig had delivered last night. Harry picked up his glasses, while his other had ran through his messed up hair and walked over to his desk to see whom the letter was from. He didn't recognize the purple ink his name was written in on the envelope, so shrugging his shoulders he opened the letter and read:
Dear Harry,
I trust that this letter gets to you being safe at your home. I spoke with the Ministry of Magic and even though Fudge won't believe that Voldemort is back; he does recognize that there is an increase in Death Eater activities, so he has agreed to lift the underage ban from students using magic. I know that this will allow you to finish your homework and defend yourself in case anything should happen. I would like to suggest that you review through all your books, so you will be better prepared just in case. I would also like to inform you that the Weasleys are going to pick you up by portkey in front of your house on July 29th at 9:00 AM to take you to the Burrow for the rest of the summer. I will meet with you at their house to discuss something of a private, but important matter with you. I would also like you to inform me if your scar hurts at anytime and any information that you can gather. Until we see each other try and have a wonderful holiday and please try and forget about the end of last year.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore
P.S. Please show this letter to your Aunt and Uncle.
Harry was almost jumping with excitement at the prospect of using magic and not getting in trouble. He also was looking forward to spending his birthday with his friends, and away from the Dursleys, because this has never before happened. He thought about what Dumbledore said about reviewing his books and decided that he would memorize every spell he could, so nothing would prevent him from losing another friend. Harry looked up at his clock to notice that it was seven o'clock and thought he would start running, so he would be in better shape, since Voldemort was going to be a constant threat to his life. He pulled on Dudley's old t- shirt, and shorts, then shrunk them down to his size, so they fit comfortably while he was running.
Harry picked up the letter and exited his room quietly and went downstairs. When he reached the kitchen to leave the letter on the table for his uncle to read, he was surprised to find Dudley already there drinking water from a glass and attired in the same exercise clothes as himself.
"Dudley what are you doing up so early?" asked Harry. Dudley turned to him and stated, "I'm going for my morning run. I am sure you are wondering why my parents were mad at me?" Harry could only dumbly nod his head still in shock that Dudley was doing exercises. Dudley motioned to the table and they both sat down. Dudley then said, "I was expelled from Smeltings for bullying the other people. I realized that I had made a big mistake, so I have been dieting like the nurse said I should even though I hate it and I have started exercising, so I can lose the weight quicker."
Dudley continued, "I know that I was awful to you, since you lived here and I am sure that you will never forgive me for all those years, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry." Harry finally found his voice and said, "Dudley I forgive you and wanted to know if you could use some company on that run. I know I am not suppose to say anything about my kind, but I have to start getting in better shape, because of some things that happened at my school during the end of this year." Dudley was amazes that his cousin was willing to forgive him, but then he saw the grief in Harry's eyes when he told him why he wanted to run. He wondered what could have happened to cause that kind of sorrow in his cousin.
" I would like company and we can stop at the Youth Center, which is where I run to, you could talk with me about your school, because I realize that ther is nothing wrong with you being a wizard." Dudley said with concern. Harry smiled with appreciation towards his cousin and they both went outside to run. After they arrived at the Youth Center, Harry told him everything that happened last year and why he felt that he needed to get in shape. Dudley was amazed at what his cousin had to go through and that he survived. They both decided that they would be good friends after that conversation.
The next three weeks went to a steady rhythm, except for few occurrences. The first was Uncle Vernon, after reading the letter, yelling at him that he would not show his freakishness in his house. Harry ignored this and with Dudley went on their early morning runs to the Youth Center and spends the morning doing weight lifting. While Harry was there he signed up for classes in karate and also for dancing, both were on Tuesday and Thursday. Dudley also signed up for karate, but laughed himself silly when his cousin signed up for dancing. They would then run home and Harry would do his chores, before eating dinner and retiring to his room. He would write to his friends before working on his homework and then try to memorize all the spells from his earlier years. Harry found that he was able to remember the spells a lot better than before and found by accident that he was able to do some wandless magic, so he practiced hard to do the spells without his wand, but this very draining and would collapse to sleep soon after practicing.
One of the other occurrences was his growing friendship with Ginny Weasley. Harry had written letters to his friends on the second day to let them know that he arrived safely at the Dursleys. He then wrote a separate letter to Ginny, after banging his head on the desk for being such a prat as to being totally oblivious of her after the events of the Chamber of Secrets, asking her different things.
***The Burrow***
Ginny was in her room and was very scared. When she heard about Voldemort being back at the leaving feast, she couldn't help thinking about all the things that happened in her first year. She was also starting to get her nightmares again and it was making her very short with everybody, because she wasn't getting much sleep. When Ron all of sudden opened her door to tell her something, Ginny's anger just blazed at him. "Ron you prat, don't you know how to knock?" yelled Ginny with her eyes narrowed. "I could have been changing for all you know."
Even though Ron cowered a little under his sister's fierce anger, which all the brothers knew they never get away unscathed when she was like this, he knew that she would want the letter he had and decided to tease his sister to calm her down. "Well, I am sorry to have barged in here, but I thought that you would want this letter that Harry wrote to you. He even said expressly that I shouldn't open it. Oh Well, since your in this type of mood I will just toss it in the garbage." Ron said airily.
Ron started to walk away when he was suddenly frozen stiff and fell forward. Ginny calmly walked over to him, turned him over and snatched the letter out of his hand. She smiled down at him mischievously and said, "Thank you for bringing me my letter Ron, but for barging in my room and teasing me you will have not get help until after I have read it." Leaving Ron frozen in the hallway, Ginny walked back to her room and locked the door. Ginny was wondering why Harry would be writing to her. She always thought that she was invisible to him as Ron's little sister. Ginny opened the envelope and read:
Dear Ginny,
I'm sorry if I haven't talked with you before now, but there were a lot of things going on during my third and fourth year even though that doesn't excuse for being such a prat. I just wanted to apologize if it seemed that I was ignoring you, because I would like to start over and be your friend if you would have me. After what you went through in the Chamber of Secrets, I never asked if you were all right and for that I am deeply regretful. I am sure hearing the news at the leaving feast that you would be scared and probably are having nightmare. I am here if you want to talk about it, or just want to know anything that happened down there.
I have not had an easy time with the new either and I was there. I keep having nightmares of the Third Task and what happened after. Don't tell Ron or Hermione, they would immediately tell me to talk with Dumbledore and I am not going to bother him with my dreams. He already has enough to deal with. I will be there in about a month if you want to talk then or send me an owl just to let me know if we can be friends, I would be very grateful.
Your friend, (Hopefully)
Harry
P.S. If Ron gives you hard time about this letter just mention sending a letter to Hermione and he will shut up. I think they fancy each other, but are too stubborn to say it.
Ginny couldn't believe that Harry not only knew her fears, but was experiencing the same thing. Also the fact that he told her instead of Ron or Hermione made her feel like he trusted her that much more. Without wasting a minute she grabbed a quill and parchment and started to write a letter back to Harry.
***Privet Drive***
Harry received letters from Hermione, Ron and Ginny the next evening in his room. He was happy that Ginny had written back, but decided to open Hermione's letter first and read:
Dear Harry,
I am glad that you arrived home safe and I hope that those relatives treat you better this year with everything you went through. If you are having any problems please write to Dumbledore or Sirius. I know you heard that Victor invited me to come see him over the holidays, but I am not going, because with the return of You-Know-Who I think it will be safer to stay at home. I will meet you at the Ron's house for your birthday. I hope that you are getting your homework done, because we have O.W.L.s this year and they are very important. Well, write back when you can and please stay safe.
Love from Hermione
Harry just smiled at the fact that his friend worried about him, but was relived that she wasn't going to be traveling this summer. Harry always thought of Hermione like the sister that he never had and worried about her too. Harry then picked up Ron's letter.
Dear Harry,
I hope that you are happy. I spent an hour in the full body-bind, because you sent a letter to Ginny. I know it is none of my business, but whatever you wrote in the letter sure did make a change in her. She was very despondent before the letter and now seems like her old self. Mom even found one of the first socks she ever stole. Ginny used to steal our socks when she was younger, but after her first year she hasn't been the same. Now we are all running after her for our socks back. Thanks for whatever you did. Please just tell Ginny not to do that ever again, I had an itch that I couldn't scratch and it was total torture and could you try and tell her to stop stealing my socks.
Have you heard from Hermione? I haven't received a letter from her, but I know Ginny has two letters from her. I hope she isn't going to visit Krum. I mean what does she see in a guy that can't even pronounce her name correctly and I would worry if she were traveling at this time. Anyways I guess I will see you when we come to pick you up. Try not to think too much on the tournament and alert Dumbledore if your scar starts to hurt.
Ron
Harry couldn't help it that he was laughing uncontrollably about the predicament that Ron was in because of Ginny. I sure hope he doesn't try and get revenge, because I know that Weasley temper and I have heard that they would all crumble before Ginny. Harry then opened Ginny's letter and read:
Dear Harry,
I would like nothing more than anything for us to be friends. I would also like to tell you that what you mentioned about being scared and having nightmares was true. I feel a lot better now, knowing that I am not the only one that is experiencing these types of fears. I hope that you are doing well and that you're getting some sleep. If you are still having troubles sleeping let me know and I'll get Mum to brew you up a dreamless sleep potion.
Keep your spirits up and don't let those muggle relatives get you down. Fred and George also told me to say hello to you for them and to tell you they have a surprise for your birthday that is sure to make you happy. I don't know if I should be happy for you or tell you to run for your life. Mum is in bad mood most of the time, because somebody has backed the twins in their idea and now she can't tell them to stop, but in all fairness she also angry at Fudge and the Ministry in how they treated you after the tournament. I can't believe how right you were about Ron and Hermione liking each other. Ron keeps moaning about Krum and Hermione sent me letters complaining about Ron. I think we should help them see the light. Thank you again for your trust and I will see you soon.
Love,
Ginny
Harry was very happy and confused after he read the letter. He was happy because Ginny did want to be his friend and that he was able to help her out, also because the twins were up to their old tricks. Harry was confused about what Ginny said of the Ministry. Fudge not believing that Voldemort was back is one thing, but if the entire Ministry was on that boat then he was becoming very scared in how the magic world would turn out after the truth is in the open. Harry had some weird feelings jumping through his stomach when he read the 'Love Ginny' portion of his letter. He didn't know what it means, but when he looked up it was already close to midnight. Harry put aside the letter to change for bed, and to sleep on it, hoping that his mind would figure out what was going on.
Harry and Ginny kept sending letters to each other and became each other's confidant in their secrets. They also were good friends now and Harry found out different aspects of Ginny's personality that he didn't know before they started writing each other. "Every time I talk to her the more I like her." Harry thought.
Harry thought back about all of this as he put all the tools away in the shed and looked down at the list of chores. He gasped in shock not realizing that with finishing the birdbath he was done with all the chores. A slow grin came on his face, because this meant he had one extra day off before he was to leave the Dursleys. With that in mind Harry strode into the house to make a quick dinner and get to sleep so he could enjoy tomorrow completely.
A/N: Tell me what you think and please give me some reviews.